Sun edge Mystics 78-76 in tight WNBA clash — Sportopod
Sun edge Mystics in tight WNBA clash on June 26
Aita Jones’ clutch bucket and Breanna Stewart’s defensive stand sealed a 78-76 Sun win in Washington.
The Connecticut Sun held off the Washington Mystics 78-76 on June 26, 2026, in a must-watch WNBA battle at Entertainment & Sports Arena. 3 seconds left broke a 76-76 deadlock and sent the visitors to the locker room with the lead. Washington’s final possession ended with a Myisha Hines-Allen jumper rimmed out at the buzzer.
Why this matters
The Sun’s victory keeps them alive in the playoff hunt while extending the Mystics’ road struggles. Stewart’s two-way dominance and clutch defense underlined Connecticut’s resilience, while Washington’s late collapse exposed offensive fragility. With the standings tight, every win now carries amplified weight in the race for postseason positioning. The Sun’s bench depth and experience contrast sharply with Washington’s reliance on Delle Donne, highlighting the broader tactical gaps in the league as teams jockey for playoff spots. The Mystics’ inability to close tight games suggests deeper issues beyond personnel, forcing a reckoning for a franchise that has underperformed in critical moments this season.
Frequently asked
What was the final score of the Connecticut Sun vs. Washington Mystics game?
Breanna Stewart anchored the Sun with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks, including a crucial rejection on Brittney Sykes with 44 seconds left. Stewart’s two-way impact stifled Mystics momentum after Washington had rallied from a 15-point deficit in the third quarter. Courtney Vandersloot added 16 points and 9 assists, while Alyssa Thomas contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds for Connecticut.
On the losing side, Elena Delle Donne led Washington with 22 points, but fouled out with 3:47 remaining. Hines-Allen finished with 18 points and 7 rebounds in defeat. The Mystics’ 15-point third-quarter deficit marked their largest hole of the game, forcing them to lean on Delle Donne’s isolation sets and Hines-Allen’s mid-range shooting.
Despite cutting the deficit to 3 with under two minutes left, Washington’s late-game execution faltered under pressure, with turnover-prone ball movement and missed free throws sealing their fate. Connecticut’s ability to grind out wins despite offensive droughts underscores their depth and experience. The Sun’s bench, led by DiJonai Carrington’s 8 points and 3 rebounds in 15 minutes, provided critical minutes when Stewart and Thomas needed rest—a luxury the Mystics lacked without Delle Donne’s late-game reliability.
The Sun’s victory also exposed Washington’s reliance on perimeter shooting, with Mystics shooting just 39% from the field overall and 6-for-20 from three-point range. Their inability to generate transition opportunities despite forcing 14 turnovers highlighted a deeper offensive stagnation that has plagued them in close games this season. Washington’s late-game struggles aren’t isolated.
They’ve now lost four of their last five games decided by five points or fewer, a trend that suggests systemic issues in clutch execution. The Mystics’ coaching staff’s decision to isolate Delle Donne late in games, while understandable given her efficiency, has limited the team’s flexibility and left them vulnerable to defensive adjustments. "We knew it was going to be a dogfight," Stewart told reporters postgame.
" What's next: The Sun (12-10) inch closer to playoff positioning when they host the Atlanta Dream on July 1. The Mystics (11-12) drop to the wrong side of the standings and face the Chicago Sky on July 2. Read at ESPN
The Connecticut Sun defeated the Washington Mystics 78-76 on June 26, 2026.
Who were the top scorers for the Connecticut Sun in the game?
Breanna Stewart led the Sun with 24 points, followed by Courtney Vandersloot with 16 and Alyssa Thomas with 14.
Which player hit the game-winning shot for the Connecticut Sun?
Aita Jones scored the go-ahead layup with 12.3 seconds remaining to secure the 78-76 victory.
How did Breanna Stewart impact the game defensively?
Stewart recorded 3 blocks, including a critical rejection on Brittney Sykes with 44 seconds left to preserve the lead.
What is the next game for the Connecticut Sun and Washington Mystics?
The Sun host the Atlanta Dream on July 1, while the Mystics travel to face the Chicago Sky on July 2.
How did Washington’s third-quarter deficit affect their comeback?
The Mystics trailed by 15 in the third quarter, forcing them into isolation-heavy sets and mid-range shots, which ultimately failed to close the gap despite cutting the lead to 3 late.
